Library to hold parenting workshop, Sept. 5

Beginning on Friday, Sept. 5, at 9:30 a.m., the Thomas Memorial Library in Cape Elizabeth will hold a five-week parenting workshop for people with children ages 1 to 3.

During each of the five sessions, the library’s community room will be turned into an early childhood learning center, with developmentally appropriate toys, activities and learning stations.

Local child-rearing professionals will also be on hand to serve as a resource for parents in an informal atmosphere. The goal of the workshops is to emphasize the role of parents as teachers and provide strategies for healthy development and early literacy skills.

Each of the five sessions will be devoted to a different topic – literacy, parenting of young children, diet and nutrition, speech and hearing development and the positive role music can play in early childhood.

These workshops are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required, and all participants must commit to attending all five sessions. Register online at www.thomasmemoriallibrary.org or call 799-1720 for more information.

Mum sale benefits CEMS

Starting on Sept. 2, the Cape Elizabeth Middle School Parents Association will sell mum in three colors – white, yellow and burgundy. The mums come in 8.5-inch pots and are available for $8 each, or $7.50 for six or more.

The sale runs through Sept. 12 and plant pickup will be held on Sept. 17, from 2-6 p.m., at the Community Center. Order forms are available at the school or from area businesses. Email [email protected] for more information or to place an order.

Proceeds from the plant sale will be used to support teacher grants at the school.

Land trust offers fall activities

During the month of September the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust is offering a variety of special events, as follows:

• Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-noon

Hunt for edible and medicinal mushrooms in Robinson Woods with mushroom expert Dan Agro.

• Sunday, Sept. 14, 9-11 a.m.

Take a paddle boarding excursion on Great Pond and get a look at the birds who call the pond home. Leading this session will be Raf Adams. All participants must know how to swim and be prepared to get wet up to their calves. There is a $30 registration fee, which includes a personal flotation device and paddleboard rental. Meet at the IGA parking lot.

• Friday, Sept. 20, 8:45-11:45 a.m.

Learn to make berry jam with master food preserver Ann Carney. There is a $20 registration fee and all materials will be provided. Event takes place in the kitchen at the community center.

• Wednesday, Sept. 24, 9-10 a.m.

Land trust volunteer Lisa Gent will lead an exploratory walk in Robinson Woods for kids 3-5, who must all be accompanied by an adult. The $10 fee includes hands-on exploration and games.

Pre-registration for each event is required at least 48 hours in advance. Registration is through Community Services. Also, call the land trust at 767-6054 or see www.capelandtrust.org for more information.

Kitchen tour benefits education foundation

On Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation will hold a kitchen tour fundraiser. Visit a dozen kitchens around Cape Elizabeth. Get design ideas and more. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the tour. Buy your tickets online at http://www.ceef.us/ or in person at Community Services.

Harbour Singers seeks new members

The Harbor Singers, a group that provides the gift of song at end-of-life care settings all across southern Maine, is seeking new members. Anyone interested in finding out more is welcome to attend a rehearsal at 7 p.m. on either Sept. 3, 10, or 17. Call 286-7678 or see www.harboursingers.org for more information.

‘Bow Ties & Bean Boots’ set for Aug. 28

There is less than one week to go before Teens To Trails’ first annual fundraising event, “Bow Ties & Bean Boots.” On Thursday, Aug. 28, supporters of Teens To Trails will come together at Camp Ketcha in Scarborough for a night of live music, lawn games, and a silent and live auction. Proceeds from the event will help Teens To Trails fulfill its mission by helping high schools around the state provide vital outdoor experiences for students through the creation and upkeep of Outing Clubs.

Bow Ties & Bean Boots will take place from 6-10 p.m. and is sponsored by LL Bean and Idexx. The event is 21-plus, and tickets are $35 per person. The night will start with appetizers donated by local restaurants and board members. El Corazon and Mainely Burgers food trucks will be on hand for dinner.

For a complete list of auction items, purchasing tickets, and more information on Teens To Trails and Bow Ties & Bean Boots visit www.teenstotrails.org.

YMCA, Maine Senior Games to partner

The YMCA Alliance of Maine and Maine Senior Games, which is based at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging in Scarborough, have joined forces to raise awareness about opportunities offered by both organizations for seniors to achieve greater health and fitness.

Maine is one of the first states taking action in a senior fitness awareness partnership forged between the National Senior Games Association and the YMCA of the USA.

“We know there are many active seniors who are not aware of opportunities for fun, fellowship and fitness afforded by local, state and national Senior Games,” said Marc T. Riker, chief executive officer at the National Senior Games. “It made sense to reach out to other organizations with similar health and wellness missions.”

And, Andy Hamblett, chairman of the YMCA Alliance of Maine, said, “Adults 50 and older are the fastest growing group at the Y and we are committed to providing activities that keep them engaged physically, mentally and socially. Participating in Maine Senior Games gives the Y the opportunity to build awareness for our senior programs and services while giving our members participating in the games the opportunity to take their fitness activity to another level.”

As a first step, the two organizations are working to better share information and links between websites and e-newsletters, as well as through printed materials.

“We see a lot of opportunity to bring fitness to more seniors and to enhance their experience,” said Jo Dill, coordinator for Maine Senior Games. “The YMCA can be a great place for our athletes to maintain health and hone their skills. (And) there are probably Y members 50 and over who don’t know they can still compete in a favorite sport. So this awareness-building partnership is a win-win for everyone.”

Dill added, “The initial goal is greater visibility and awareness of each partner organization and we’re excited to be among the first states to put it in motion. It will be interesting to see if (knowledge of) other opportunities will motivate more of our senior population to pursue healthy, active lifestyles.”

– Kate Irish Collins